What would you do if you discovered a looming fire threat in the bus you took just in time – learn how SI Mohamed Idil prevented a potential disaster.
By: Rose Maswida
Onboard an express bus that had stopped at a toll plaza on the way to Kuala Lumpur (KL), an urgent command by SI Mohamed Idil Bin Mohamed Ali pierced the air: “Everyone, get down from the bus immediately!”
Startled, the passengers scrambled towards the bus exit, only to be confronted by the sight of flames consuming the vehicle.
In an instant, an ordinary bus journey had morphed into a life-threatening ordeal.
Scent of Danger
SI Idil has served with the Singapore Police Force for 16 years. As a Ground Response Force (GRF) officer with Tampines Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), he plays a vital frontline role in ensuring the safety and security of the neighbourhood, which includes patrolling to deter and detect crime and responding to incidents from “999” calls.
On 2 February 2024, SI Idil had boarded an express bus from Compass One Singapore at 7:10am to go to KL with his friend for a cycling getaway. Five hours into the journey, at about 1:15pm, a loud static noise was blasted from the bus speakers. The 20-odd passengers were annoyed but they tried to ignore the distraction by covering their ears. The noise only softened after the co-driver adjusted the speakers.
As the journey continued, SI Idil noticed a faint smell of smoke in the bus. However, the other passengers seemed oblivious to the smell. The bus pulled over after the Sungai Besi toll-stop, about 20 minutes from KL, for the passengers to take a break.
SI Idil couldn’t shake off the persistent odour that lingered in the bus. His instincts told him that something was amiss. Upon getting off the bus, he saw a plume of smoke seeping out from its luggage storage compartment. Unsettled, SI Idil alerted the driver and asked him to open the storage compartment. The sight left SI Idil stunned.
On Duty, Off the Clock
A fire was burning at a corner of the storage compartment. The intense heat had melted several luggage bags and even his bicycle’s body frame. “Having assisted in fire incidents as a GRF officer,” recalled SI Idil, “I knew exactly what to do.”
SI Idil sprang into action, his instincts and training taking over. He had to get the passengers to safety. “I immediately asked all the passengers and the people nearby to evacuate the area as quickly as possible,” he recalled.
With the help of several other passengers, SI Idil guided all the passengers to safety, all the while keeping an eye on the fire as it continued to grow.
Moments after everyone had evacuated to a safe area, huge flames engulfed the bus completely, sending thick billows of smoke into the air. “It’s terrifying to think what could have happened if we’d noticed the fire slightly later,” SI Idil shared. “The bus could have exploded with all of us inside.”
“All I wanted in that moment was for everyone to be safe.” – SI Idil
Upholding Our SPF Values
Soon after, emergency responders arrived at the scene and put out the flames, which had spread to the roof of the rest-stop. As for SI Idil and the other passengers, they were able to continue their journey after a replacement bus arrived to pick them up.
The actions of SI Idil that day stand as a testament to his unwavering courage and selflessness, as well as the profound commitment Police officers have to their duty. Even during a moment of great danger, SI Idil didn’t hesitate to prioritise the safety of others. “Being worried about my own safety was the last thing on my mind,” he affirmed. “All I wanted in that moment was for everyone to be safe.”
Explore Our Content
Editor's Pick
